Technical Director

Company Overview

Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

Job Description

Technical Director

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

The Opportunity

The Technical Director is responsible for the efficient planning, management and safety approach of the technical aspects of performing arts productions, programs, presentations, and related activities across Banff Centre.

The Technical Director has excellent knowledge of the techniques and procedures of theatre, opera, dance and music productions and presentations. This includes stage, set, sound, projection, lighting, stage management, computerized control systems, props, costumes, stage carpentry and rigging.

Roles and Responsibilities

Reporting to Production Manager, Performing Arts, below are some key accountabilities:

Scheduling and Administration

• Manages the day-to-day scheduling of technical, production and project teams, and prepares detailed schedules for venues for rehearsals, materials, set build, tech, strike and other tasks.
• Holds regular production meetings with staff and other teams across Banff Centre.
• Reviews and approves weekly timesheets in accordance with the collective agreement.

Technical and Production

• Advises on the technical specifications, costs and safe usage of technical equipment, and ensures the implementation of approved technical designs is on schedule and on budget.
• Manages proper set up, maintenance, and operation of stage, lighting and sound systems for theatre, dance, music, programming and presentations, and troubleshoots technical challenges.
• Successfully loads in and out of productions and presentations in a timely manner.
• Conducts technical assessments, analyzes technical riders, prepares production costings, supports adjudications, and identifies crew resource and venue/space requirements.
• Communicates with designers, directors, and stage management for production continuity.
• Creates CAD drawings, maintains technical documentation, CAD drawings, and other records as necessary for productions/presentations; reads and interprets blueprints, drawings and plots, supplementing design work as needed.
• Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, projections, staging, wardrobe, scenic, properties, rigging equipment, and inventories. Arranges for the repair and replacement within budget.
• Maintains current knowledge of all equipment and supervises training on all equipment.
• Develops, implements and monitors policies to ensure a safe work environment.  

Practicum Program

• Assists the Production Manager, Performing Arts with managing the practicum programs so that training aligns with Banff Centre objectives and participant’s training objectives are met.
• Assists with the design and development of practicum group events/training sessions.
• Assists with recruitment of faculty, mentors, contract staff and guest speakers as required.

Financial Responsibilities

• Assists Production Manager to develop annual production, program and operating plans and budgets, track finances and forecast reports.  Monitors and controls production and operational expenditures, and provides details for budget reconciliation.
• Assists the Production Manager to develop capital requirements and a capital purchase plan of equipment and systems for the Performing Arts venues. Provides an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for replacement, or refurbishment.
• May assist with contracts, billings, purchase orders, and rentals; may prepare, process, approve billing, cheque requisitions, petty cash vouchers, reimbursement, and expense claims as required.

Human Resource Management, Team Building and Interdivisional Cooperation

• Enables the team to function as high performing by maintaining open communication, providing clear direction, ensuring staff have the competency and opportunity to be successful in their work, and motivating the team towards a culture of positive discretionary performance serving Banff Centre’s mission in alignment with our values, in an environment that is welcoming and inclusive, and supportive of a diverse workforce.
• Ensures that employees fully understand their roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations by providing ongoing formal and informal feedback, coaching, and support as employees strive to achieve success.
• Provides day-to-day leadership, direction, and supervision to direct reports, monitoring the effective allocation of assignments across the team.
• Fosters an internal culture that emphasizes the highest standards for customer service; excellence of staff, participant and guest experience; and fiscal, operational, and organizational integrity.
• Ensures a positive and safe work environment for all Banff employees, aligned with Banff Centre’s policies including, but not limited to, our code of ethics, anti-harassment policies, contractual obligations, and strategic directions.
• Works closely with the Human Resources Team in all aspects of human resource management including hiring, training, payroll, and discipline (up to an including termination) to ensure policies, procedures, contractual, legislative and work culture expectations are met. 

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

• Completion of university degree in related discipline.
• Minimum of three years’ experience supervising in a unionized stage environment.
• Minimum of five years professional experience in a similar role.
• Project management and project coordination skills.
• Knowledge of structural and mechanical construction for the stage, of materials and techniques, including welding, rigging and painting.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
• Thorough knowledge of lighting, sound, and video.
• Knowledge of current safety standards and their implementation.
• Certification in Working at Heights and Aerial Platform Operation are assets.
• Product, material, pricing, and logistics research skills.
• Experience fulfilling technical and touring riders.
• Experience with a variety of live performances including theatre, dance, and music.
• Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics.
• Knowledge and practical experience using Microsoft Office.
• Strong scheduling, and budgetary management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organization with the ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines, and a positive attitude while working under pressure.

Employment Terms and Benefits

• In accordance with the terms of employment governing Management/PSP employees, this is a salaried, fulltime position, subject to a 6-month probationary period.
• The salary range for this position is $67,367 - $100,039 based on experience.
• The successful candidate will enjoy twenty paid vacation days and four personal days annually, extended medical and dental benefits, and participation in an employer-matched pension plan.
• Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
  • Transitional staff housing options (based on availability)
  • Professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Health care spending account
  • Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
  • Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!